CAF Unveils AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament as Senegal Dominate Best XI
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released its official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting the best performers from the competition, which ended with Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco in the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Newly crowned champions Senegal dominated the Best XI after an impressive run that earned them their second AFCON title. Nigeria were also well represented, with three Super Eagles players named following their strong displays during the tournament.
Forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman made the list after playing key roles in Nigeria’s third-place finish. Osimhen scored four goals and provided two assists, while Lookman recorded three goals and four assists, showing his attacking quality throughout the competition.
Defender Bruno Onyemaechi completed Nigeria’s presence in the team, earning the left-back position. However, the absence of Calvin Bassey came as a surprise to many, especially after his solid performances in the knockout rounds, including the semi-final clash with Morocco.
Most of CAF’s defensive choices came from the two finalist teams, Senegal and Morocco, who largely made up the backline. Senegal’s influence was also clear in midfield, reflecting their control and consistency during the tournament.
Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was selected as the team’s goalkeeper, alongside teammates Krépin Diatta, Mamadou Sangare and Idrissa Gueye in defence and midfield. Captain Sadio Mané was also included and was named Player of the Tournament after inspiring the Teranga Lions to victory.
Egypt duo Mohamed Salah and Rami Rabia were also named in the Best XI, while Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui earned a spot despite the hosts losing the final. Morocco still picked up several individual awards, with Brahim Díaz finishing as the tournament’s top scorer to claim the Golden Boot, Yassine Bounou winning Best Goalkeeper, and the hosts receiving the Fair Play Award.
CAF’s Team of the Tournament for AFCON 2025 is made up of: Édouard Mendy; Noussair Mazraoui, Rami Rabia, Bruno Onyemaechi, Krépin Diatta; Mamadou Sangare, Idrissa Gueye; Mohamed Salah, Ademola Lookman, Sadio Mané; and Victor Osimhen.
The announcement brings an end to a memorable tournament filled with drama, standout performances and Senegal’s return to the top of African football.
